Mocking All Seven Rounds for the Seahawks

Getty Images

It wasn’t an easy journey, but the Seattle Seahawks lived up to expectations in 2013, coming away with a well-deserved Super Bowl win and the right to call themselves champs of the NFL. Now headed into an offseason that will carry similar expectations, the Seahawks must reload during the 2014 NFL Draft.

Despite proving to be the best team in the NFL in 2013, there are numerous needs that must be addressed this offseason for the Seahawks. The biggest of all is at wide receiver, where two of their top three targets are slated to hit the open market on March 11. The other top receiver rarely saw the field in 2013 while battling injuries and is a huge question mark heading into 2014.

That’s not the only area of concern, though.

The Seahawks must also find a new tight end with too much inconsistency and inefficiency crippling the position for the past few seasons. The offensive line is also in need of some upgrades, with depth and health proving to be serious concerns in 2013. Even the cornerback position could afford some extra bodies with off-field issues and expiring contracts clouding the depth chart.

Either way, they need to make the most of their available picks. Even after finishing 13-3 in 2013, the Seahawks have plenty of work to do this offseason if they hope to defend their title this upcoming campaign.

Here’s a look at all seven of the Seahawks’ current picks during the 2014 NFL Draft and what they could choose to do with each one when they’re finally on the clock in May.

Round 1: Troy Niklas, TE, Notre Dame

Getty Images

If you’ve been sleeping on Niklas, it’s time to wake up. Although Eric Ebron and Jace Amaro have received most of the attention at the top of this tight end class, Niklas is a sleeper who could be the best overall player at his position. On top of being an outstanding blocker, he has underrated receiving abilities and will be a red-zone threat. The Seahawks draft based on potential, and Niklas has the potential to be the most versatile tight end to come out of the 2014 class.

Round 2: Martavis Bryant, WR, Clemson

Getty Images

With their second pick, the Seahawks continue adding more weapons to Russell Wilson’s arsenal with the selection of Bryant. Although he isn’t as explosive or exciting as his fellow Clemson receiver, Bryant has the speed, size and body control to be a dynamic difference-maker at the next level. He can stretch the field and has a keen ability to come down with jump balls. Bryant is what the Seahawks were hoping they would get when they signed Sidney Rice.

Round 4: Vic Hampton, CB, South Carolina

Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

Seeing as the Seahawks are losing two cornerbacks to free agency this offseason, they might want to add some extra bodies to the position moving forward. While Hampton has some off-field issues that might force Seattle to look elsewhere – especially considering their history of players being suspended – the South Carolina cornerback is well worth the risk. He’s big, physical, and loves to assert his dominance on opponents. Hampton is a perfect fit for the Seahawks if he can stay out of the trouble.

Round 5 (via OAK): Justin Britt, OT, Missouri

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

With Breno Giacomini headed for free agency and little experience available at right tackle, the Seahawks would be wise to add some depth to the position. Britt is an intriguing prospect with outstanding size and athleticism. Although he has flown under the radar for much of the pre-draft process, he’s a tackle who could be outplaying his draft status in a few years. For the upside Britt possesses, the Seahawks couldn't ask for much more at this spot in the draft.

Round 5: Shamar Stephen, DT, Connecticut

Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

More than any other team in the NFL, the Seahawks value depth along the defensive line. They have several linemen slated to be free agents this offseason, so adding some extra bodies through the draft seems like a logical move. By bringing Stephen aboard, the Seahawks would be adding a big, athletic defensive tackle who can plug holes against the run. While he hasn’t shown to be a consistent pass rusher, the tools are there to be developed. Stephen seems like a great fit for the Seattle defense.

Round 6: John Urschel, G, Penn State

Getty Images

As the Seahawks learned last year, you can never have enough depth along the offensive line. With the offensive tackle position already addressed, they turn their attention to the interior by grabbing Urschel. While the Penn State product had a good-but-quiet year in 2013, the potential is there for him to develop into a quality starter. Urschel has great size and surprising athleticism. Just another insurance policy for the Seattle offensive line.

Round 7: Albert Wilson, WR, Georgia State

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

You might not have heard of Wilson yet, but he’s definitely a late-round prospect worth knowing about. A product of the young GSU football program, Wilson was among their top talents this past season. He has above-average speed, after-catch instincts and leaping abilities, making him an exciting, versatile weapon. Although he may never develop into a starter in the NFL, Wilson has the speed/vision combo to contribute as a slot receiver and return man for the next few years. The Seahawks love value, so Wilson makes sense.

Training camp has started and the 2015 season for the Jacksonville Jaguars is officially underway. Besides the obvious players that are expected to shine, we will look at the five Jaguars we believe need to make a significant impact on the field this year if this team is going to be competitive. Read More